My affair with diapers started immediately after my twins were born. A few months in, I had tried most of the brands available in the market. At first, I really did not care about the quality or capacity, I just wanted the bulk; every single day, two babies could easily consume five diapers each. For a brief moment, I considered using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. After weighing my options, I realized that cloth diapers were not as convenient as much as they were cheaper. I would literally need to hire a full time cleaner to wash cloth diapers.
For any parent, discovering what works for you and your baby (babies) is a journey. Disposable diapers are very convenient but can be expensive. Above all, getting value for your money is the best deal. This review looks at all the vital elements to consider, so that you can decide which diaper brand is best for you.
How to identify the best diaper
The major consideration is comfort. Is your baby happy and comfortable with the diaper? To identify comfort, the features below must be in place.
– Fit and fastening
The waist and legs must fit properly. Usually, many brands will have an elastic mechanism for this. To this end, the diaper should contour the body accordingly. Choosing the right size will further give your baby the right comfort. A diaper should also come with fasteners that do not lose stickiness easily. Velcro fasteners are more superior.
– Lotion and fragrance
Many new-age diapers come with a lotion or gel liner. This works to moisturize the baby’s sensitive skin. The fragrance is meant to give a fresh appeal for the diaper area. Scents are not really a requirement but they can enhance the diaper experience for both mum and baby. The lotion or gel is highly functional to boost comfort.
– Absorbency and wetness indicator
The capacity of any diaper is determined by its absorbency mechanism. Extra padding in the diaper region will go a long way to keep leaks at bay. Some diapers absorb better than others. In my experience, brands like Snuggles and Huggies take the cake. Using them gave me confidence that my twins would avoid leaks and soils. A wetness indicator will show you when to change the diaper. Parents should change the diaper immediately after this signal to avoid discomfort in their babies.
– Cutouts for newborns
A cutout for newborns ensures that the navel or cord area is not touched. The healing stump is delicate and using a special diaper with this feature makes work easier. However, most brands can be folded around this area to serve the same purpose.
– Design and style
Diaper brands come in all designs, shapes and sizes. Choosing one that is stylish adds personality to your baby. For me, something neat and compact is ideal. With so many options, you might as well choose one that appeals most, even where design is concerned.
– Price
Many times, a high quality diaper is synonymous with expensive. It is hard to find cheaper options and not compromise on quality. However, comparing prices will help you land on the best deal. You should not have to part with an arm or a leg for a good diaper brand.
Snuggles
This is one of the most impressive diaper brands I have used for my children. It is soft, comfortable and with a very high absorbency. It provides all night protection while delivering superior absorbency, thanks to its Flexi Gel feature. It is highly breathable to protect sensitive skin. For active babies, it provides for active fitness with a stretchy waistband. As alluded to above, my leaning towards this brand is unmistakable. It really redefines comfort and care. It comes in all sizes for babies all the way to toddlers.
Huggies
This is yet another leading diaper brand. It comes with a wealth of features for great protection. It is made using 100% cotton and is therefore very breathable. It has a special pocket to cater to runny messes. The core has triple absorbency to lock in wetness. The tabs are nicely shaped with a double leak guard. Again, when you are looking for superior protection, Huggies is a great buy. They have all sizes from new born to nappy pants. Variations like the Huggies Gold is very superior.
Pampers
Most new parents find the Pampers brand first before others. This is indeed a popular brand that comes with great options for all babies and sizes. The main features include extra channels for absorption, super gel, baby lotion, soft cotton material and wetness indicator. From new-born care to Pampers pants for moving children, this brand has it all. For many parents and guardians, this brand comes at a higher price. In many ways, it could be a premium brand. I used Pampers for my newborns and the only major problem was the cost. Maybe it is because I was paying double the price for my twins. If you are looking for unparalleled protection, this could be an ideal buy for you. Budget buyers and penny pinchers may shy away. All in all, this is a trusted brand that has served many.
Softcare
When I really needed to save money, I switched to using Softcare for my children. This cheaper alternative brand has really taken the industry by storm. With a pack of 40 diapers being below Ksh 700, this was great for me. However, you cannot have your cake and eat it. Using the cheaper version of this brand proved that absorbency and overall quality was wanting. To this end, those who really need high quality can choose the Softcare Premium Soft option. You will pay a bit more but you can contain leaks better. Again, it comes in all sizes for your baby. With my children, I found myself buying one size bigger for proper fitting. When you are looking for cheaper bulk, this is you best pick. However, you pay more to get superior protection.
Which brand is best?
Every parent or guardian has to decide what works for them best. Cost is indeed a major reason that cannot be overlooked. Choosing a brand that gives you high quality for a fair price is ideal. Above all, do not compromise quality for cheap products. If you prefer to use cloth diapers, this could go a long way in cutting those costs. Buying in bulk will save you money. Also, keep an eye out for discounts and offers. Try out different brands and come to your own conclusion. All in all, there is a glaring gap for cheaper high quality disposable diapers in the market.